Private Internet Access Reviews

Private Internet Access is an intuitive service that is suitable for both beginners and experienced VPN users. Someone looking for a simple ‘connect and go’ experience will find just that, as the software automatically suggests the best server for a smoother and faster experience. Moreover, user interaction can be kept to a minimum thanks to the compact app only displaying the connect button, country, and IP addresses.

However, PIA also suits users who like to customize their experience in fine detail. The VPN network list displays the expected ping for each location, and it’s possible to alter numerous connection settings. Private Internet Access also allows port-forwarding and offers plenty of additional tools, such as an ad blocker, a classic and advanced kill switch, and an email breach monitor.

A clean interface goes a long way toward making a service popular, as most customers want simple apps that require no in-depth knowledge to set up. However, privacy enthusiasts want complete control to play with the settings of the program they’ve just purchased.

The settings page is a playground for experienced users. Connection protocols, encryption levels, and automation rules are only some of the options available for tweaking. Other highlights are the ability to use split tunneling, port forwarding, and to set personal proxy preferences (Shadowsocks or SOCKS5).

Less critical but still indicative of PIA’s exhaustive customization options is the ability to personalize its interface, such as choosing between light and dark themes, the dashboard’s appearance, different tray icons, and more. The trade-off is that less tech-savvy users might take a while to become comfortable navigating the apps.

PIA stands out when it comes to the number of servers available. Even though there’s always room for improvement, users should be thrilled with these numbers since they cover most of the world.

The software also provides a predicted latency for each location, which is an excellent way to determine which server is the best, even if it’s not the closest to the user’s actual location. We tested this VPN’s speed performance from Europe, with a baseline speed of 642 Mpbs for downloads, and 208 Mpbs for upload.

The results were outstanding, especially for downloads, with an average download speed loss of only 17%. This makes PIA one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested so far. For uploads, the results weren’t as good but still acceptable with speed loss of 28%. Latency-wise, PIA also offers excellent results, primarily for the closest servers.

On top of this, PIA is reliable regarding DNS and other traffic leaks. There were no problems of this nature across all our tests, meaning that user privacy is 100% guaranteed.

A company named Private Internet Access must live up to its name, and the truth is that it doesn’t disappoint. PIA is a safe VPN to use that allows users edit a great range of connection settings, including privacy-related ones. Data encryption includes AES 128-bit and AES 256-bit protocols with SHA256 authentication, for instance.

Private Internet Access also provides two kill switches, with the advanced version able to prevent leaks even when the VPN is turned off. There’s also MACE, a tool that’s essentially an ad blocker, which works by blocking IP domains used for ads, trackers, and malware. Unfortunately, some ads were able to slip through during our tests, so there’s some room for improvement here.

PIA is transparent about how it handles user data and states that it follows a no-logs policy, meaning that none of your private data, such as IP addresses, browsing history, or even VPN session timestamps, is stored.

The company also provides browser extensions for Google Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and manual OpenVPN configuration files. It’s also accessible on Smart TVs for a high-speed streaming experience. Plus, users can enjoy lag-free gaming and privacy protection for consoles, namely Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.

Furthermore, the VPN is available for routers to help protect all connected devices on an office or home network. It suggests clients avoid ISP routers, which allow monitoring of browsing history and aren’t VPN compatible. Instead, the company recommends purchasing a router with a preinstalled VPN, perfect for network-wide protection.

To work towards its promise of affordability, the company has eliminated its device cap, meaning users can enjoy unlimited device connections carefree, which is a huge plus point.

PIA VPN costs a mere $2.06 per month with a 2-year subscription ($56.94 in total) and includes two months for free, representing an 82% discount over the $11.99 monthly plan. Between these two options is the 6-month plan at $7.50 per month, which represents a saving of 38% on the monthly plan.

Considering all the features it provides, Private Internet Access’s prices are very competitive. The icing on the cake is that the 6-month and 2-year plans include one year of 500GB of cloud storage with pCloud.

Should users require extra security, there are two add-ons that can be purchased: antivirus software for Windows and an exclusive IP address. Moreover, the company also has its own VPN router for the more privacy-conscious out there.

Unfortunately it’s not possible to use PIA for free, but it offers a 7-day free trial for curious cats with Android and iOS devices, helping them learn more about the software before committing to a long-term subscription. Plus, customers can try the software risk free by taking advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee.

PIA also has a referral program that offers up to 30 free days for both parties involved. Plus, to maximize savings for larger businesses, PIA provides a bulk purchase option, where multiple accounts can be purchased at a discounted rate.

The company offers a long list of payment methods, which includes PayPal, credit cards, Amazon payments, cryptocurrency, gift cards, and more.

Every company knows that an excellent product must have great customer support, and PIA doesn’t disappoint here either with its 24/7 assistance. Queries are answered promptly by email, and agents addressed our urgent concerns quickly over the live chat. Furthermore, both PIA’s VPN FAQ and blog explain the more basic queries.

PIA offers a support page featuring several guides, a news portal, and a knowledge base with billing, technical support, security best practices, and more. Additionally, a community page lets users make suggestions and request new servers. Along with its comprehensive YouTube channel, the company is active on Facebook, X, Reddit, and LinkedIn.

It boasts impressive speed performance with stable connections and minimal loss for downloads and uploads. Plus, the service guarantees total privacy and anonymity with no DNS leaks when browsing by using complex data encryption tools.

Private Internet Access is clearly in the highest tier of the VPN market. Even though it might not be the best option for users with less technological knowledge, those looking for strong performance and connections can trust Private Internet Access VPN.